Laminate Countertop Replacement

I want to replace my u-shape laminate kitchen countertops. What's the going trend? Is using preformed countertops with 45 degrees already cut OK? I suspect having a cabinet shop fabricate a large u-shaped countertops would be quite costly but I may do that if exposed cuts are definitely a bad idea. Thanks for your input.

IT is impossible to fabricate ANY ""U" shaped, and most other shapes for that matter, without seams. Some materials, such as granite and Corion, can be finished so the seams are either invisible or barely detectiable. Laminate countertops will always have visible seams.